Modifiable determinants of attitude towards dengue vaccination among healthy inhabitants of Aceh,Indonesia:Findings from a community-based survey

Objective:To explore and understand the attitude towards dengue vaccination and its modifiable determinants among inhabitants of Aceh(northern Sumatra Island,Indonesia),the region that was most severely affected by the earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004.Methods:A communitybased,cross-sectional study was conducted among 535 healthy inhabitants in nine regencies(Kabupaten or Kotamadya) of Aceh that were selected randomly from November 2014 to March 2015.A set of validated,pre-tested,structured questionnaires was used to guide the interviews.The questionnaires covered a range of explanatory variables and one outcome variable(attitude to dengue vaccination).Multi-step logistic regression analysis and Spearman's rank correlation were used to test the role of explanatory variables for the outcome variable.Results:More than 70%of the participants had a poor attitude towards dengue vaccination.Modifiablc determinants associated with poor attitude to dengue vaccination were low education level,working as farmers and traditional market traders,low socioeconomic status and poor knowledge,attitude and practice regarding dengue fever(P<0.05).The KAP domain scores were correlated strongly with attitude to dengue vaccination,r_s=0.25,r_S=0.67 and r_s=0.20,respectively(P<0.001).Multivariate analysis found that independent predictors associated with attitude towards dengue vaccination among study participants were only sex and attitude towards dengue fever(P<0.001).Conclusions:This study reveals that low KAP regarding dengue fever,low education level and low socioeconomic status are associated with a poor attitude towards dengue vaccination.Therefore,inhabitants of suburbs who are working as larmers or traditional market traders with low socioeconomic status are the most appropriate target group for a dengue vaccine introduction program.

Community-based dengue control intervention in Ouagadougou:intervention theory and implementation fidelity

Background:While malaria control is the primary health focus in Burkina Faso,the recent dengue epidemic calls for new interventions.This paper examines the implementation fidelity of an innovative intervention to control dengue in the capital Ouagadougou.Methods:First we describe the content of the intervention and its theory.We then assess the fidelity of the implementation.This step is essential as preparation for subsequent evaluation of the intervention’s effectiveness.Observations(n=62),analysis of documents related to the intervention(n=8),and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders(n=18)were conducted.The collected data were organized and analyzed using QDA Miner.The theory of the intervention,grounded in reported good practices of community-based interventions,was developed and discussed with key stakeholders.Results:The theory of the intervention included four components:mobilization and organization,operational planning,community action,and monitoring/evaluation.The interactions among these components were intended to improve people’s knowledge about dengue and enhance the community’s capacity for vector control,which in turn would reduce the burden of the disease.The majority of the planned activities were conducted according to the intervention’s original theory.Adaptations pertained to implementation and monitoring of activities.Conclusions:Despite certain difficulties,some of which were foreseeable and others not,this experience showed the feasibility of developing community-based interventions for vector-borne diseases in Africa.

TAK003 dengue vaccine:A promising tool for dengue control

Dengue,an arboviral disease caused by infection with one of the four distinct serotypes is one of the 10 global health threats confirmed by the World Health Organization(WHO)in 2019[1].There has been an exponential increase in dengue cases over last few years,attributed to unplanned urbanization,climate change,and migration,etc.Nearly 4 billion people worldwide in more than 100 countries are at risk of dengue,and 390 million infections occur every year,with 90 million symptomatic infections[2].The spectrum ranges from asymptomatic,mild,to severe dengue,leading to hospitalizations and even death[3].Due to unavailability of therapeutics for treating dengue,it is imperative to expand the arsenal by including vaccines in the efforts to combat dengue worldwide.

Role of doxycycline in the treatment of dengue infection: An open-label, randomized, controlled, pilot trial

Objective:To measure the effect of doxycycline on inflammatory marker[IL-6,TNF-α,ferritin and C reactive protein(CRP)]levels in patients with dengue infection.Methods:A single-centre,open-label,parallel-group randomized controlled trial was done in PGIMER Chandigarh from June 2021 to October 2022.Patients were randomized using a simple randomization process into two groups:the doxycycline treatment group(n=35)and the control group(n=34).Patients in the treatment group were given oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for five days along with standard treatment,whereas patients in the control group received only standard treatment.The objective was to measure the effect of doxycycline on inflammatory markers in dengue infection.Results:On comparative analysis at day 5,there was a statistically significant reduction in the median values of ferritin and CRP in cases compared to the control group(ferritin:P=0.006 and CRP:P=0.006).No significant reduction was noted in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.Conclusions:Doxycycline treatment led to a reduction of inflammatory markers in dengue infection.

A Novel Fractional Dengue Transmission Model in the Presence of Wolbachia Using Stochastic Based Artificial Neural Network

The purpose of this research work is to investigate the numerical solutions of the fractional dengue transmission model(FDTM)in the presence of Wolbachia using the stochastic-based Levenberg-Marquardt neural network(LM-NN)technique.The fractional dengue transmission model(FDTM)consists of 12 compartments.The human population is divided into four compartments;susceptible humans(S_(h)),exposed humans(E_(h)),infectious humans(I_(h)),and recovered humans(R_(h)).Wolbachia-infected and Wolbachia-uninfected mosquito population is also divided into four compartments:aquatic(eggs,larvae,pupae),susceptible,exposed,and infectious.We investigated three different cases of vertical transmission probability(η),namely when Wolbachia-free mosquitoes persist only(η=0.6),when both types of mosquitoes persist(η=0.8),and when Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes persist only(η=1).The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Wolbachia in reducing dengue and presenting the numerical results by using the stochastic structure LM-NN approach with 10 hidden layers of neurons for three different cases of the fractional order derivatives(α=0.4,0.6,0.8).LM-NN approach includes a training,validation,and testing procedure to minimize the mean square error(MSE)values using the reference dataset(obtained by solving the model using the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method(ABM).The distribution of data is 80% data for training,10% for validation,and,10% for testing purpose)results.A comprehensive investigation is accessible to observe the competence,precision,capacity,and efficiency of the suggested LM-NN approach by executing the MSE,state transitions findings,and regression analysis.The effectiveness of the LM-NN approach for solving the FDTM is demonstrated by the overlap of the findings with trustworthy measures,which achieves a precision of up to 10^(-4).

Assessment of public perspectives and barriers towards dengue preventive practices using the Health Belief Model in Puducherry,India:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To assess the perspectives and barriers towards dengue preventive practices among the residents of Puducherry,India.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 300 households in Puducherry,using a population-proportionate(7:3)distribution from urban and rural areas by grid sampling.One adult interview per household was conducted and the participants were selected using a KISH grid.A semi-structured questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model(HBM)with additional questions on knowledge assessment was used.Knowledge was assessed based on the correctness of answers and the HBM scores were calculated on a 5-point Likert scale.Participants were categorized based on the median score under each domain.Logistic regression was used for adjusted analysis and models were built to predict the performances in each domain.Results:Four percent of the participants lacked basic knowledge regarding dengue transmission.While 208(69.3%)participants did not consider themselves at risk of contracting dengue within the next year,majority perceived dengue as a disease with low severity.Around 49.3%(148)were skeptical about the benefit of time and money spent on dengue prevention.Inadequate government efforts were stated as the major barrier(47.0%)and frequent reminders(142,47.3%)as the major cue to action.Age above 50 years(aOR 1.78,95%CI 1.04-3.06,P=0.037)and rural locality(aOR 2.68,95%CI 1.52-4.71,P=0.001)were found to be significantly associated with poor knowledge scores.Urban participants had a significantly higher chance to perceive low susceptibility as compared to the rural counterparts(aOR 1.74,95%CI 1.05-2.9,P=0.03).Participants with less than a high school education had low perceived benefits(aOR 2.46,95%CI 1.52-3.96,P<0.001)and low self-efficacy scores(aOR 2.66,95%CI 1.61-4.39,P<0.001).Conclusions:This study identifies key gaps in dengue prevention,including low perceived susceptibility,mild disease perception,limited knowledge of breeding sites,and overreliance on government efforts.Tailoring interventions to community needs,stratified to factors influencing the community perspectives can significantly improve dengue prevention efforts.

Molecular Characterization of the Four Serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4) of Dengue Virus Circulating in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Background and Objectives: Dengue is an arbovirosis caused by the dengue virus with 04 serotypes. The aim of the study was to characterise the four serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4) of the dengue virus circulating in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive analytical study that included 2833 patients and was carried out from January 2021 to December 2022. Rapid diagnosis of dengue was performed using the “Dengue Duo (AgNS1/IgM/IgG)” kit (SD Bioline, Korea). Viral RNA was extracted using the QIAGEN RNA RNeasy Plus Mini Kit (Quiagen, Germany) and virus serotypes were identified using the DENGUE Real-TM Genotype PCR kit (Sacace biotechnologies, Italy). Platelet counts were also performed using the XN-1500 Sysmex. Results: The prevalence of acute infections (NS1Ag positive) by TDR was 5.7% (162/2833), with the peak of dengue virus infection occurring between October and November. On the other hand, the AgNS1+ samples tested by RT-PCR were 53.7% positive for dengue virus;this shows the extent of probable cross-reactions with rapid diagnostic tests and false positives. Serotype 1 accounted for 52.6%, 28.4% had serotype 3, 16.8% had serotype 2 and 2.1% had serotype 4. We found cases of co-infection with DENV-1 and DENV-2 in two patients, co-infection with DENV-1 and DENV-3 in three patients, co-infection with DENV-1 and DENV-4 in one patient, co-infection with DENV-3 and DENV-4 in one patient and co-infection with three serotypes, DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3 in one patient. Conclusion: The study showed that all four serotypes of the dengue virus were circulating in Ouagadougou. Serotype 1 was predominant.

Stochastic Model of Dengue: Analysing the Probability of Extinction and LLN

In this article, we develop and analyze a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) model to study the resurgence of dengue. We also explore the large population asymptotic behavior of probabilistic model of dengue using the law of large numbers (LLN). Initially, we calculate and estimate the probabilities of dengue extinction and major outbreak occurrence using multi-type Galton-Watson branching processes. Subsequently, we apply the LLN to examine the convergence of the stochastic model towards the deterministic model. Finally, theoretical numerical simulations are conducted exploration to validate our findings. Under identical conditions, our numerical results demonstrate that dengue could vanish in the stochastic model while persisting in the deterministic model. The highlighting of the law of large numbers through numerical simulations indicates from what population size a deterministic model should be considered preferable.

Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression in Assessing Dengue Fever Spread Factors in Yunnan Border Regions

Objective This study employs the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression(GTWR)model to assess the impact of meteorological elements and imported cases on dengue fever outbreaks,emphasizing the spatial-temporal variability of these factors in border regions.Methods We conducted a descriptive analysis of dengue fever’s temporal-spatial distribution in Yunnan border areas.Utilizing annual data from 2013 to 2019,with each county in the Yunnan border serving as a spatial unit,we constructed a GTWR model to investigate the determinants of dengue fever and their spatio-temporal heterogeneity in this region.Results The GTWR model,proving more effective than Ordinary Least Squares(OLS)analysis,identified significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity in factors influencing dengue fever’s spread along the Yunnan border.Notably,the GTWR model revealed a substantial variation in the relationship between indigenous dengue fever incidence,meteorological variables,and imported cases across different counties.Conclusion In the Yunnan border areas,local dengue incidence is affected by temperature,humidity,precipitation,wind speed,and imported cases,with these factors’influence exhibiting notable spatial and temporal variation.

Prognostic value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin Ⅰ in children with dengue shock syndrome

Objective:To investigate the contribution of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-pro BNP)and troponin Ⅰ to mortality in children with dengue shock syndrome.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted on children with dengue shock syndrome in a hospital in southern Vietnam.Detailed clinical histories,physical examinations,and laboratory parameters,including NT-pro BNP and troponin Ⅰ,were recorded.A comparison between survival and non-survival was carried out to identify factors influencing mortality.Results:A total of 107 patients with a median age of 9 years were included in the study.Among them,63.6%(68/107)presented with compensated shock,36.4%(39/107)had hypotensive shock,23.4%(25/107)required mechanical ventilation,and 12.1%(13/107)died.The NT-pro BNP levels were 3.9 pmol/L(IQR:1.9,10.3)and 15.2 pmol/L(5.8,46.3),while the median high sensitivity troponin Ⅰ levels were 20 pg/L(6,95)and 62 pg/L(12,325)at the first and second measurements,respectively.The mortality group exhibited higher rates of hypotensive shock,prolonged shock,lactate levels,liver damage,NT-pro BNP,and troponin Ⅰ levels.Hypotensive shock(OR 12.96,95%CI 2.70-62.30,P=0.004),prolonged shock(OR 39.40,95%CI 6.68-232.70,P<0.001),AST>1000 IU/L(OR 9.50,95%CI 2.63-34.34,P=0.041),and NT-pro BNP>7 pmol/L(OR 44.40,95%CI 5.44-362.20,P=0.001)were identified as predictive factors for mortality in dengue shock syndrome.Conclusions:The NT-pro BNP level could serve as a potential biomarker for predicting mortality in children with dengue shock syndrome.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever with rectus sheath hematoma:A case report

Rationale:Acute pain is a medical emergency that requires prompt abdominal evaluation and management.Dengue,a mosquito-borne arboviral infection,can lead to complications such as acute abdominal pain.Patient concerns:A 72-year-old hypertensive female presented with high-grade intermittent fever with chills and rigors for four days.She was diagnosed with dengue fever(NS1Ag-reactive)the day before admission.A contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed a hematoma along the rectus sheath which was managed conservatively as per surgical opinion.Diagnosis:Dengue hemorrhagic fever with rectus sheath hematoma.Interventions:Blood transfusion and fluid therapy.Outcomes:Ten days after discharge,the patient reproted no pain in the right iliac fossa and the size of the hematoma was significantly reduced.Lessons:Although it is rarely seen as a cause of acute abdomen,complaints of adnominal pain should never be ignored in critical or convalescent phase of dengue fever.Radiological investigations should be promptly conducted as hematoma is often difficult to be diagnosed clinically.Delay in diagnosis of rectus sheath hematoma can be fatal.

Acute paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria upon dengue fever:A case report

Rationale:Dengue fever is capable of inciting the formation of transient polyclonal antibodies directed at red blood cell antigens,resulting in complement-mediated hemolysis,leading to intravascular hemolysis and hemoglobinuria.Patient’s concern:A 12-year-old male patient who recovered from dengue fever a week ago had red blood cell agglutination,spherocytes,and engulfment of red blood cells(erythrophagocytosis)by monocytes and neutrophils on routine hematological peripheral blood smear.The unexpected blood smear results prompted the lab physicians to investigate autoimmune hemolytic anemia,which revealed a monospecific positive direct antiglobulin test for complement(C3d,C3b)and the presence of Donath-Landsteiner antibody.Diagnosis:Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria(PCH),secondary to dengue fever.Interventions:Oxygen supplements,antibiotics,intravenous immunoglobulins,steroid therapy,and packed cell transfusions were administered.Outcomes:The patient’s condition was improved following the therapy.Lessons:Post-dengue PCH is a rare complication that requires a thorough peripheral smear examination for erythrophagocytosis,as advanced hematology analyzers fail to detect such findings.

Dengue induced acute liver failure:A meta summary of case reports

BACKGROUND Dengue fever is the most common cause of viral hemorrhagic fever,with more than 400 million cases being reported annually,worldwide.Even though hepatic involvement is common,acute liver failure(ALF)is a rare complication of dengue fever.AIM To analyze the demographic profile,symptomology,hospital course and outcomes of patients presenting with ALF secondary to dengue infection by reviewing the published case reports.METHODS A systematic search was performed from multiple databases including PubMed,Reference Citation Analysis,Science Direct,and Google Scholar.The search terms used were"dengue"OR"severe dengue"OR"dengue shock syndrome"OR"dengue haemorrhagic syndrome"OR"dengue fever"AND"acute liver failure"OR"hepatic failure"OR"liver injury".The inclusion criteria were:(1)Case reports or case series with individual patient details;(2)Reported acute liver failure secondary to dengue infection;and(3)Published in English language and on adult humans.The data were extracted for patient demographics,clinical sympto-matology,clinical interventions,hospital and intensive care unit course,need for organ support and clinical outcomes.RESULTS Data from 19 case reports fulfilling the predefined inclusion criteria were included.The median age of patients was 38 years(inter quartile range:Q3-Q126.5 years)with a female preponderance(52.6%).The median days from diagnosis of dengue to development of ALF was 4.5 d.The increase in aspartate aminotransferase was higher than that in alanine aminotransferase(median 4625 U/L vs 3100 U/L).All the patients had one or more organ failure,with neurological failure present in 73.7%cases.42.1%patients required vasopressor support and hepatic enceph-alopathy was the most reported complication in 13(68.4%)cases.Most of the patients were managed conser-vatively and 2 patients were taken up for liver transplantation.Only 1 death was reported(5.3%).CONCLUSION Dengue infection may rarely lead to ALF.These patients may frequently require intensive care and organ support.Even though most of these patients may improve with supportive care,liver transplantation may be a therapeutic option in refractory cases.

Climate-driven dengue fever outbreaks in Nepal:Trends,challenges,and strategies

Dengue fever(DF)has become a major public health concern in Nepal,with increasing outbreaks in recent years.Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes,this climate-sensitive viral disease presents a significant challenge for healthcare providers and policymakers.Since 2004,Nepal has experienced a sharp increase in DF cases,peaking in 2022 with 54784 cases and 88 deaths.The surge,driven mainly by serotypes 1,2,and 3,is exacerbated by climate change,which prolongs mosquito breeding seasons due to warmer temperatures and increased rainfall.This trend has even impacted previously unaffected hilly regions.Effective dengue control strategies must focus on climate change adaptation,strengthening healthcare system reinforcement,raising public awareness,and enhancing vector control measures.Government initiatives,like the national dengue control program,play a critical role,but research and community engagement are also vital for prevention and early detection.Integrating climate resilience into public health efforts is essential to reducing the dengue burden in Nepal.

Does community-based health insurance affect lifestyle and timing of treatment seeking behavior?Evidence from Ethiopia

Objectives This paper aims to investigate the effects of enrollment in the Ethiopian community-based health insurance(CBHI)scheme on household preventive care activities and the timing of treatment-seeking behavior for illness symptoms.There is growing concern about the financial sustainability of CBHI schemes in developing countries.However,few empirical studies have identified potential contributors,including ex-ante and ex-post moral hazards.Methods We implement a household fixed-effect panel data regression model,drawing on three rounds of household survey data collected face to face in districts where CBHI scheme is operational and in districts where it is not operational in Ethiopia.Results The findings show that enrolment in CBHI does not significantly influence household behaviour regarding preventive care activities such as water treatment before drinking and handwashing before meals.However,CBHI significantly increases delay in treatment-seeking behaviour for diseases symptoms.Particularly,on average,we estimate about 4-6 h delay for malaria symptoms,a little above 4 h for tetanus,and 10-11 h for tuberculosis among the insured households.Conclusions While there is evidence that CBHI improve the utilization of outpatient or primary care services,our study suggests that insured members may wait longer before visiting health facilities.This delay could be partly due to moral hazard problems,as insured households,particularly those from rural areas,may consider the opportunity costs associated with visiting health facilities for minor symptoms.Overall,it is essential to identify the primary causes of delays in seeking medical services and implement appropriate interventions to encourage insured individuals to seek early medical attention.

Resurgence of dengue in the Philippines

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has significantly influenced the epidemiological landscape of various infectious diseases such as dengue.Dengue is an endemic disease in the Philippines,which showed a significant de-cline in the number of cases beginning in March 2020 due to the stringent public health measures implemented to curb COVID-19 cases.However,the easing of these restrictions subsequently led to a resurgence in dengue cases,as reported by the World Health Organization,with a notable increase compared to previous years.As the country navigates towards a post-pandemic phase,addressing the resurgence of dengue requires sustained efforts in vector control,surveillance,and healthcare preparedness.This article underscores the critical need for collab-orative efforts among stakeholders to mitigate the resurgence of dengue while managing the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria: Evaluating the recommended Takeda vaccine and future prevention strategies

Dengue fever,caused by the dengue virus(DENV),poses a significant public health challenge globally,with Nigeria experiencing sporadic outbreaks.A clear understanding of the dengue burden has not been achieved in Nigeria,just as in other African countries.Understanding the epidemiology and burden of dengue fever is essential for effective prevention and control strategies.This paper examines the recent dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria,particularly in Sokoto state,and evaluates the recommended Takeda dengue vaccine(TDV)along with future prevention strategies.Despite limited surveillance and underreporting,dengue fever is endemic in Nigeria(with over 5 million cases and 5000 dengue-related deaths in 2023),with recent outbreaks indicating a growing concern.The TDV,a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine,has shown promise in preventing dengue fever,but challenges such as vaccine acceptance and access-ibility need to be addressed.Global urbanization contributes to the disease's spread,which is influenced by factors such as population density,cultural beliefs,water storage practices,hygiene,and water supply accessibility.Future prevention strategies must focus on government intervention,community practices,and innovative vector control measures to mitigate the spread of DENV in Nigeria.This study will serve as a valuable reference for policy-makers,researchers,and clinicians in the management and control of DENV in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Predicting the risk of mortality in children with dengue-induced hepatitis admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit

BACKGROUND Dengue-associated acute liver failure(PALF)accounts for a high mortality rate in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU).To date,there is a lack of data on clinical algorithms for estimating the risk of mortality in pediatric patients with dengue-induced severe hepatitis(DISH).AIM To determine the prevalence of PALF and identify the predictors of mortality among patients with DISH.METHODS This single-institution retrospective study was performed at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Vietnam between 2013 and 2022.The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in pediatric patients with DISH,which was defined as either aspartate aminotransferase>350 IU/L or alanine aminotransferase>400 IU/L.Prognostic models for estimating the risk of death among patients with DISH were developed using a predefined set of clinical covariables and hepatic biomarkers on PICU admission and during the first 72 hours of admission.Area under the curve,multivariable logistic regression,and multiple imputation using the chained equation for missing values were performed.Backward stepwise model selection based on the Akaike information criterion was employed.Bootstrapping,calibration slope,and Brier score were used to assess the final models.RESULTS A total of 459 children with DISH were included in the analysis.The median patient age was 7.7 years(interquartile range:4.3-10.1 years).The prevalence of dengue-associated PALF in children with DISH was 18.3%.Thirty-nine DISH patients developing PALF(8.5%)died.Hepatic biomarkers,including the international normalized ratio(INR)≥2.11 and total serum bilirubin(≥1.7 mg/dL),showed high predictive values for mortality(all P values<0.001).Multivariable models showed the significant clinical predictors of death from dengue-induced PALF in patients with DISH,including reduced level of consciousness(pain and unresponsive levels on the Alert,Verbal,Pain,Unresponsive scale),high vasoactive-inotropic score(>30),and elevated levels of blood lactate,INR,and serum bilirubin.The final prognostic model demonstrated high discrimination,Brier score,and an acceptable calibration slope.CONCLUSION The prevalence of PALF in children with DISH is 18.3%.We developed robust prognostic models to estimate the risk of death in hospitalized children with severe dengue-induced hepatitis.

Transplacental transmission of dengue infection

We specifically addressed the persistent challenge of dengue in endemic regions,highlighting the potential seriousness of dengue infection through vertical trans-mission.Vertical dengue transmission has been well documented,particularly in hyper-endemic regions,including Ecuador.Herein,we present a neonate diagno-sed with congenital dengue and review similar cases from previously published reports.Although congenital dengue is commonly infected with severe serotypes of DENV(DENV-1 and DENV-2)infections,favorable outcomes are generally observed.

Community-Based Hepatitis B Campaign in Asian Americans

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects minority groups in the US, particularly Asian Americans, with numerous factors contributing to this disparity. Of the 2.4 million people living with chronic HBV in the US, 60% are Asian American. Many are unaware of their status and lack access to proper clinical care, with less than ten percent receiving necessary antiviral treatment. Barriers to screening and care include lack of disease awareness, language and cultural barriers, and financial constraints. Additionally, healthcare providers and systems in the US often overlook the importance of CHB, leading to inadequate care. In response, the Center for Viral Hepatitis (CVH) has implemented a community-based outreach program over the past sixteen years, employing a multifaceted approach involving all sectors of society and various organizations to combat health disparities in CHB. This grassroots campaign has proven highly effective, leveraging CVH’s leadership in spearheading numerous collaborative activities with community members, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. We have summarized the key points of CVH's efforts and their significance in combating CHB-related health disparities. The CHB Screening and Awareness Campaign, tailored to the Asian American community, serves as a successful model for increasing CHB screening, linkage-to-care, and addressing socio-cultural barriers and health literacy. Insights from these outreach programs have guided the development of culturally relevant resources and education initiatives. These findings suggest that such community-driven approaches are essential for addressing health disparities. The strategies and outcomes of CVH’s efforts can inform future health initiatives for other minority communities in the US and globally.